The characters from
the Ramakian appear frequently in temple paintings and in murals surrounding
the galleries of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple can boast
the largest number of demon guardians at the gates - twelve of them
standing in pairs. Each has a distinguishing color. The two entrances
on the east side are watched over by Suriyaphop who
is red and Thosakan's son, Inthrachit, who is green.
The second gate is guarded by Wirunhok, who is dark
blue and a green Mangkawnkan. At the back on the west
side, three pairs of Yaksha are guarding: Wirunjambang
(grey) and Maiyarap (orchid), white Sahasadecha and
green Thosakan, a purple Askanamara
and a white Jakawat. At the south gate, only two guards
are on duty - the green Thoskhiriwan and the red Thoskhirithon,
twin sons of Thosakan.
Yaksha statues are usually
stationed facing the gates, with their backs to the temple they guard.
At Wat Phra Kaew, there is an exception as they face the shrine of the
Emerald Buddha to protect the Emerald Buddha.
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Information from: "Yakshas,
The Giant Guardians of the Temple", Thailand Illustrated.
Pictures copyright: Gor Daoruang.
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